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TSE Cashmere, the world-renowned high-end retailer
and fashion house, was in the enviable position of having had its
business grow so much that it needed to double its office/showroom
space. It was paying premium rent for 10,000 square feet in Manhattans
Plaza District. While it was well located, the space projected a more
conservative image than it wanted. TSE would maintain its retail location
in the Plaza District, on Madison Avenue.
Problem:
TSE needed to double its space while not spending
any additional amount for rent. Rather than remain in the Plaza District
one of Manhattans highest-priced areas it was
willing to be a "pioneer" and move to an up-and-coming neighborhood.
TSE was hoping to shed the Plaza Districts safe, conservative
image, in favor of a more cutting-edge location. One of the biggest
concerns was keeping TSEs employees happy. A new location had
to make them want to come to every day, inspire their creativity and
be exciting. Since the Fashion Industry is driven by image, a new
location needed to not only maintain TSEs already stellar image,
but to enhance it.
Solution:
Finding a solution required a careful analysis
of the fashion industry by Plymouth Partners, then a thorough search
of the neighborhoods deemed suitable. The West Chelsea and Meat Packing
Districts were at the top of the list, since they were on the cutting
edge of what was happening in New York. The Media Arts Center (450
West 15th Street), at the border of these two areas, was
selected as the best building. It had just been completely renovated
and converted from a warehouse and was gaining a reputation as the
home to hip, style-conscious businesses. This high-energy, exciting
location gave TSE Cashmere the identity it wanted at the right price.
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